Why is Spanish spoken in Colombia? A brief journey into history

When you think of Colombia, you probably think of its joy, its music, its diversity... and its Spanish!

But have you ever wondered why Spanish is spoken in Colombia?

Today, we'll take a brief and fascinating journey back in history to understand how the language came to be and how it evolved in this beautiful country.

The beginning: the arrival of the Spanish

Before the arrival of Europeans, the territory we know today as Colombia was inhabited by various indigenous peoples, such as the Muisca, Tayrona, and Quimbaya, among others.

Each of these groups had their own languages, customs, and ways of life.

In 1499, the first Spanish explorers arrived on the Colombian coast, and a few years later, the process of conquest and colonization began. The conquistadors brought not only their culture but also their language: Castilian, a variant of Spanish spoken in Castile, Spain.

The imposition of the Spanish language

During the colonial era (16th to 19th centuries), the Spanish imposed their language as a tool of domination.

Spanish was taught in:

• Schools established by missionaries.

• Evangelization through the Catholic religion.

• Administrative and government activities.

Indigenous languages ​​were displaced or reduced in many regions. Although today there are still indigenous communities that preserve their ancestral languages, Spanish has established itself as the predominant language in Colombia.

Independence and Spanish as a symbol of identity

After achieving independence from Spain in 1810, Colombia maintained Spanish as its official language.

Why? Because it was already a part of everyday life, education, commerce, and culture.

Over time, Colombian Spanish began to evolve, incorporating:

• Indigenous words (such as "arepa" or "guayaba").

• African expressions (a product of the Afro-descendant population).

• Idioms that gave it a unique identity.

Today, Colombian Spanish is recognized for its clarity, neutrality, and richness of regional accents, from costeño to paisa, caleño, and rolo.

What is Spanish like in Colombia today?

Currently, Colombia boasts one of the most neutral and easy-to-understand Spanish languages ​​in all of Latin America, making it a favorite destination for foreigners wishing to learn the language.

Some notable characteristics of Spanish in Colombia:

• Clear and measured pronunciation (especially in Bogotá).

• Wide variety of colloquial expressions.

• Indigenous, African, and European cultural influences.

Curiosity: Did you know that...?

• More than 60 officially recognized indigenous languages ​​are still spoken in Colombia.

• Words like "chocó," "tamarindo," and "caucho" come from indigenous languages.

• Colombian Spanish has contributed words and expressions to other Spanish-speaking countries.

Conclusion: Spanish, a living heritage in Colombia

Spanish in Colombia is the result of centuries of history, cultural encounters, and constant evolution.

Learning Spanish in Colombia not only connects you with the language, but also with a culture full of nuances, colors, and smiles.

Are you ready to learn Colombian Spanish?

At Spanish Learning Tips, we'll accompany you on your journey with dynamic, culturally rich classes.

Book your free class today and discover the magic of the language and the history of Colombia.